Important Grant Announcement

Little Rock’s Main Street to serve as a demonstration project for others to learn about low impact development and water quality

(Little Rock, AR) (July 9, 2012) - The City of Little Rock was awarded a $900,000 federal grant today by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to work on a water quality demonstration project that will take place on Main Street.

Randy Young, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, said, “This project has the potential to “set the bar” in the approach to managing runoff in urban areas by utilizing proactive environmentally sound practices and techniques that are aesthetically pleasing.” This is the first project Green Infrastructure

project of its magnitude and diversity that has been funded in the Central Arkansas area.

The project will include work in the 100, 200 and 500 blocks of Main Street to demonstrate the benefits of green infrastructure applications such as porous pavers, tree wells, rain gardens and other water filtration practices to enhance water quality. It will restore some hydrologic connection within the urban environment while educating the community about such techniques and their benefits.

What: Press Conference to Announce EPA Grant

When: Monday, July 9th – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Corner of Main & 3rd Streets

Participants: Mayor Mark Stodola

Randy Young, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Arkansas Well Water Commission